Medical Malpractice Defense Associate Attorney

La Follette, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Los Angeles County Office in Glendale of La Follette Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames seeks associates with a minimum of 3 years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense, to defend healthcare providers in complex medical negligence litigation.

The Associate will co-manage a caseload, participate in trial work, and contribute to strategy, client communications, and risk assessment while upholding the firm’s standards and advocacy. Licensed in California is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense, with litigation experience in medical malpractice considered a plus.
• They are licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of California.

Responsibilities

• Co-manage a caseload of complex medical malpractice defense matters from inception through resolution.
• Represents physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare professionals in depositions, court hearings, trials, and other legal proceedings.
• Assist and serve as second-chair trial counsel depending on experience, building persuasive trial themes, strategy, opening statements, witness examinations, and closing arguments.
• Manage trial preparation efforts, developing and executing comprehensive case strategies.
• Perform case evaluation and risk assessment in coordination with clients and insurance carriers, positioning cases for favorable resolution.
• Appear and argue contested hearings, case management conferences, and evidentiary motions with confidence and professionalism.
• Direct settlement negotiations and mediations from a position of trial readiness to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Provide strategic guidance to clients throughout the litigation process, including candid assessments of liability exposure, jury selection, and trial risk.
• Retain, prepare, and strategically position witnesses, including medical experts.
• Prepare and respond to discovery requests, including interrogatories and document production.
• Defend and take depositions of parties, witnesses, and experts.
• Conduct legal research and draft pleadings, motions, briefs, and other legal documents.
• Maintain and update case files, ensuring all documentation is accurate and current.
• Remain current on evolving medical malpractice law, standards, and procedural rules to ensure highly effective advocacy in court.
• Work collaboratively with other attorneys, paralegals, and legal staff to ensure effective communication, excellent outcomes, and contribute to the firm’s culture.

Skills

Litigation

Medical malpractice

Legal research

Deposition

Trial

Client communication

Education

Juris Doctor (JD)

Bar admission: California

Tools

Westlaw

LexisNexis

Job description

The Los Angeles County Office in Glendale of La Follette Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames seeks associates with a minimum of 3 years of legal experience, preferably in civil defense, to defend healthcare providers in complex medical negligence litigation.

The Associate will co-manage a caseload, participate in trial work, and contribute to strategy, client communications, and risk assessment while upholding the firm’s standards and advocacy. Licensed in California is required.